For several years now, Sun Valley Pride has joined the ranks of other meaningful Sun Valley events produced by and for locals, all in the name of providing community. In this case, that community is the LGBTQIA+ community, for which Sun Valley Pride provides a multi-day event full of performers, music, and fun. From what was once a modest singular event to now a full week of both paid and free activities, Sun Valley Pride draws attendees and performers from across the nation. How It Started What is now an entire week of Pride events started as just one: Pride in the Garden, at the nonprofit Sawtooth Botanical Garden (SBG). Executive Director Jen Smith had only been in her role for a few years when she suggested the Garden do a Pride event as a way to raise funds. As she says, they didn’t need to do another golf tournament or poker run like other organizations in the area had done as fundraisers. The board went wild, and the first Pride in the Garden event was held in 2021, which Jen describes as “a social justice event trying to bring awareness to the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies and to …
Transforming Communities: The Impact of Innovations and Technologies
Innovation and technology have the power to transform communities, especially in valleys where industries and lifestyles are evolving. With new advancements, local businesses, education, and even entertainment are changing, creating new opportunities for growth. From better infrastructure to smarter ways of working, technology is reshaping how people live and interact in valley regions. Technology Changes Everything Technology is a game-changer for valley communities. It improves healthcare by making medical services more accessible, introduces smart farming techniques for better food production, and supports small businesses with online platforms. Remote work is also growing, allowing professionals to live in peaceful valley towns while staying connected to global markets. As more industries adopt modern tools, these communities become more sustainable and competitive. One example of transformation is Sun Valley, which has become a home for innovators and entrepreneurs. This once simple resort town is now attracting tech startups, creatives, and professionals looking for a balanced lifestyle. With co-working spaces, networking events, and technology-driven businesses, Sun Valley shows how innovation can boost local economies. Smart Energy Solutions Sustainable energy is playing a big role in valley communities. Many regions are investing in solar and wind power to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources. Smart …
Local KDPI DJs Weigh In on Sun Valley’s Summer Music Lineup
Live music abounds in Sun Valley in the summer, from big-ticket shows at River Run to smaller ticketed shows at the Liberty Theater and Whiskeys to the lengthy slate of free weekly music, like Wicked Wednesdays at the Wicked Spud, Ketch’em Alive at Forest Service Park, and Hailey Rocks at Hop Porter Park. This summer is no different, with an excellent lineup of concerts from the Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMOA), the Arygros, Sun Valley, and more. To give you the inside scoop, Visit Sun Valley chatted with some radio DJs from local station KDPI—trust us, these guys know music. Joining us were Sheila Moriarty, Brett Macubre, and Logan Frederickson from Mountain Music Menagerie (a weekly themed show curated by a group of friends on Thursdays from 7–9pm) and Caleb Horowitz (aka DJ Klondike) of The Good Show, described as “good music for good and bad people” (Wednesdays from 8–10pm). Sun Valley Museum of Art: Old Crow Medicine Show and Lake Street Dive The SVMOA summer concert series is always a season highlight, with past performances by artists like Wilco, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, and more. Playing at the Sun Valley Pavilion on June 19 is folk band Old …
Understanding Hotel Access: Key Cards, Codes, and More
When checking into a hotel, guests often receive a key card or a code to access their room. These modern systems offer more than just a convenient way to unlock doors — they are a crucial part of a hotel’s security. Understanding how these systems work can help travelers feel more confident about their stay. What Is a Hotel Access Control System? A hotel access control system is a method hotels use to manage who can enter specific areas, like guest rooms, gyms, or conference rooms. Instead of traditional keys, these systems use electronic methods — such as key cards, PIN codes, or even smartphone apps — to grant access. The goal is to keep guests safe while making it easy for them to move around the property. Hotels are moving away from old-fashioned keys for good reasons. Smart locks not only prevent lost key issues but also offer better security. If a guest misplaces their key card, hotel staff can quickly deactivate it and issue a new one. This wasn’t possible with traditional keys, where a lost key could mean changing the entire lock. Additionally, smart locks allow hotels to track entry times, ensuring only authorized people enter certain …
From Ski Slopes to Slot Machines: Could Sun Valley Be the Next Luxury Gaming Destination?
Sun Valley has long been known as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, breathtaking scenery, and an upscale retreat for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. But as the travel industry evolves, luxury mountain resorts worldwide are expanding beyond their traditional winter appeal. High-end travelers today expect more than just ski runs and après-ski lounges—they seek a full spectrum of entertainment, from fine dining and wellness spas to exclusive nightlife. One growing trend in mountain tourism is the introduction of casinos, which blend high-stakes gaming with high-altitude luxury. With destinations like Switzerland, France, and even Japan incorporating casinos into their luxury resort offerings, could Sun Valley follow suit? The Global Trend: Casinos in Luxury Mountain Resorts Casinos in ski resorts are nothing new, but they’ve gained momentum in recent years as destinations seek to diversify their entertainment offerings. Here are a few standout examples: Switzerland: St. Moritz, one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world, is home to Casino St. Moritz, where visitors can enjoy high-limit gaming alongside fine dining and top-tier accommodations. Switzerland’s strict regulations ensure that these casinos maintain an air of exclusivity rather than mass-market appeal. France: The Alpine town of Chamonix, …
